Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Studio Brief 1: Roxy Music research


I listened to 'Virginia Plain' and jotted down some descriptions that popped into my head, which are above. The song makes me feel happy and energetic, and the band seem very strong in personality. I want to use bright and bold colours in my designs in the hopes of reflecting all this.
I spoke to my parents about the band, and they told me that they were very into glamour, which is also reflected in their album covers.

Next I have read the lyrics:

Make me a deal and make it straight 
All signed and sealed, I'll take it 
To Robert E. Lee I'll show it 
I hope and pray he don't blow it 'cause 
We've been around a long time just try try try tryin' to 
Make the big time 
Take me on a roller coaster 
Take me for an airplane ride 
Take me for a six days wonder but don't you 
Don't you throw my pride aside besides 
What's real and make believe 
Baby Jane's in Acapulco We are flyin' down to Rio 
Throw me a line I'm sinking fast 
Clutching at straws can't make it 
Havana sound we're trying hard edge the hipster jiving 
Last picture shows down the drive-in 
You're so sheer you're so chic 
Teenage rebel of the week 
Flavours of the mountain steamline 
Midnight blue casino floors 
Dance the cha-cha through till sunrise 
Open up exclusive doors oh wow! 
Just like flamingos look the same 
So me and you, just we two got to search for something new 
Far beyond the pale horizon 
Some place near the desert strand 
Where my Studebaker takes me 
That's where I'll make my stand but wait 
Can't you see that Holzer mane? 
What's her name Virginia Plain

I've interpreted the song as follows:

  • Young musicians trying to make it in the music industry, who are craving excitement and are desperate for a record deal.
  • General excitement of being in a band.

Below is some analysis I did of invididual lyrics so I could explore the song deeper.


'We've been around a long time just try try try tryin' to make the big time"
  • up and coming music artists
  • desperation, excitement is wanted
  • want success
"Take me on a rollercoaster"
  • reflects music industry and being thrown into the fun of it
  • ups and downs
"All signed and sealed, I'll take it"
  • desperate for a record deal
"We are flyin' down to Rio"
"Take me for an airplane ride"
  • journeys
"Whats real and make believe"
  • reality, dreams, fantasy
The following are some lyrics that stood out to me in terms of imagery and what could be portrayed on the cover.
  • "Teenage rebel of the week"
  • "Fountains of the mountain steamline"
  • "Midnight blue casino floors"
  • "Dance down the cha-cha through till sunrise"
  • "Just like flamingos look the same"
  • "through me a line, I'm sinking fast"
Imagery that could be taken from these lyrics:
  • mountains
  • water
  • night time
  • sky
  • sunrise/sunset
  • flamingos


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